India summons Pak envoy, issued a demarche on the act of aggression against India

indica News Bureau –

The Ministry of External Affairs of India has summoned the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan Sohail Mahmood and has also issued a demarche on Wednesday, February 27, on the act of aggression against India.

On Wednesday, February 27, Pakistani fighter jets entered Indian air space and targeted military posts. India says that this act was in opposition to India’s non-military anti-terror pre-emptive strike at a JeM terrorist camp in Balakot on February 26. 2019.

It is unfortunate that instead of fulfilling its international obligation and bilateral commitment to take credible action against terrorist entities and individuals operating from its soil, Pakistan has instead acted with aggression against India.

It was clearly conveyed that India reserves the right to take firm and decisive action to protect its national security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity against any act of aggression or cross-border terrorism.

A photograph of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthamana, who is in Pakistan’s custody, released by Pakistan’s DG ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor. (Photo: @OfficialDGISPR/Twitter)

India also strongly objected to Pakistan’s vulgar display of injured personnel of the Indian Air Force, which was in violation of all norms of the International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention. Pakistan confirmed the arrest of Wing Commander, Abhinandan Varthaman. As Pakistan claimed to capture the pilot, a video was circulated by Pakistani accounts showing a man in uniform, blindfolded and wounded.

It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defense personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return.

A press note released by MEA further stated that regret was expressed at the continuing denial by Pakistan’s political and military leadership of the presence of terrorist infrastructure in territories under its control.

A dossier was handed over to the Pakistani side with specific details of the JeM complicity in the Pulwama terror attack and the presence of JeM terror camps, as well as its leadership in Pakistan.

It was conveyed that India expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control.

Meanwhile, Michael R. Pompeo, US Secretary of State made a press statement on the escalating tension between the two nuclear-loaded countries.

He stated that following Indian counter-terrorism actions on February 26, he spoke with Indian Minister of External Affairs Swaraj to emphasize close security partnership and shared the goal of maintaining peace and security in the region.

Pompeo said he also spoke to Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi to underscore the priority of de-escalating current tensions by avoiding military action, and the urgency of Pakistan taking meaningful action against terrorist groups operating on its soil. “I expressed to both Ministers that we encourage India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and avoid escalation at any cost,” Pompeo said. “I also encouraged both Ministers to prioritize direct communication and avoid further military activity.”

With tension rising after the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets intruded into the Indian territory across the Line of Control (LoC) and downed one Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jet, capturing its pilot, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the three Services chiefs.

According to IANS, the Prime Minister discussed the evolving situation at the meeting, also attended by the National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

The Pakistan Air Force aircraft made a shallow incursion across the LoC (maximum of 6-7 km deep) on Wednesday morning and aimed at military installations.

The exact number of planes in the Pakistani pack could not be ascertained. They were detected by the Combat Air Patrol as the Indian Mig-21 Bison aircraft scrambled.

The Pakistani aircraft dropped their payload at four places. One of the Mig-21 Bisons got to lock a Pakistani aircraft and fired an R-73 air-to-air missile that hit it.

In an address after the PAF strikes, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he “does not want an escalation with India.” Khan also said he “could understand the pain of those who lost their own people in the Pulwama attack.” But the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that “at this stage, it was difficult to say how the entire scenario would unfold.”